UK Finance Manager

Clifford Chance; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A major international law firm in Westminster is seeking a newly qualified Finance Manager to support its strategic objectives. This role involves cost management, financial reporting, and planning. Ideal candidates should have a relevant finance degree and professional certifications (e.g., ACA/CIMA/ACCA), along with strong analytical and communication skills. The firm offers a global environment and values diversity in its teams.

Qualifications

• Degree-level candidate with a strong academic background and relevant certifications.
• Newly qualified with certifications in financial management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in financial software and MS Office, particularly Excel.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and control cost management processes.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
• Develop financial models for strategic planning.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Excellent communication skills

Financial analysis

Education

Degree in Finance or related field

Relevant certifications (ACA/CIMA/ACCA)

Tools

Financial software

Job description

Regulators, trade bodies, and not-for-profit organisations. But no matter who they are or why they've reached out to us, we provide a world-class service every step of the way. And that's possible thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit and conscientious approach to work that you'll find across all of our teams. Whichever area of the business you join, you'll become an integral part of an innovative, diverse, and ambitious team of people. Clifford Chance is a place where the brightest minds and the best of colleagues meet.

Job Description

The role

This is a key role designed to support the UK Financial Controller in achieving the Firm's strategic objectives around growth and operational excellence. The UK business has an income of +£900m per annum and approximately 1,200 FTE.

We are seeking a newly qualified Finance Manager to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for overseeing and controlling costs, preparing detailed financial reports, and conducting comprehensive planning and analysis to support the firm's strategic goals and ensure financial stability.

Key Responsibilities

1. Cost Management: Oversee and control cost management processes, ensuring that all expenses are accurately tracked and allocated to the appropriate departments. Develop and implement cost control strategies to minimize unnecessary expenditures and optimize resource utilisation. Perform detailed cost analysis and cost allocation, identifying areas where costs can be reduced or better managed, and provide recommendations to senior management. Monitor and report on cost deviations and variances, analysing the reasons behind these discrepancies and working with relevant teams to address issues and prevent future occurrences.
2. Financial Reporting: Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, ensuring data accuracy and clarity. Collaborate with accounting teams to reconcile financial data and resolve discrepancies. Ensure timely financial reporting, adhering to relevant regulations and standards. Present financial findings to stakeholders, including senior management and external auditors, to provide a comprehensive overview of the firm's financial performance.
3. Planning and Analysis: Develop financial models to support strategic planning, using advanced analytical techniques to forecast future financial performance and identify risks and opportunities. Conduct analysis of financial and market trends, providing insights to senior management. Prepare detailed annual budgets and monthly forecasts, working closely with department heads to ensure realistic financial plans. Analyse budget variances to provide actionable insights for decision-making.

Qualifications

• Degree-level candidate with a strong academic background and relevant certifications demonstrating expertise in financial management.
• Newly qualified with relevant certifications (e.g., ACA/CIMA/ACCA), indicating a solid foundation in financial principles and practices, and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide clear recommendations.
• Proficiency in financial software and MS Office (particularly Excel), with experience using advanced features for analysis and presentation.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of conveying complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders clearly.

Company Description

Who we are

We are one of the largest international law firms in the world, with over 30 offices globally. We aim to exceed our clients' expectations by providing high-quality advice and legal insight, combining global standards with local expertise. Our firm spans jurisdictions, cultures, and languages, offering a truly international perspective. We value a rewarding and stimulating career, emphasizing an inclusive, friendly, and team-based approach to work.

Our one firm global strategy focuses on targeted growth driven by our core clients' needs, supporting sectors and geographies most relevant to them. Our clients include those in the commercial and industrial sectors, the financial investor community, and governments.